Cape fire chief resigns

November 22, 2013

Hayes submitted his resignation to City Manager John Szerlag, saying his reasons for leaving were of a "personal nature."

Hayes' hiring was the subject of a complaint that questioned whether he met the minimum advertised qualifications for the post, whether his credentials were as stated and whether proper procedures were followed in the hiring of the department's new public information officer with whom Hayes had worked previously.

An administrative review of the complaint found no improprieties although Szerlag said improvements could be made in the city's hiring processes.

"Even though our recent investigation found no cause to relieve Chief Hayes of his duties, Tim decided it would be best for his family if he tendered his resignation," said Szerlag in a prepared statement issued late Friday. "I accepted Tim's resignation with regret."

Szerlag has appointed Battalion Chief Donald Cochran to serve as interim fire chief until further notice.